Launch your career and make a difference as an EMT
Choose a career path where you can be a real-life hero. Many graduates of the Emergency Medical Technology Certificate program at Clackamas Community College are serving as first responders and saving lives.
Students who thrive in this unique career are:
- Calm under pressure. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are prepared to make difficult decisions and perform life-saving skills in challenging situations.
- Compassionate communicators. As an EMT, you will be a stable and positive presence for people in some of their most difficult moments.
- Lifelong learners. The classroom is just the beginning. An EMT Certificate sets a foundation for continual learning opportunities for further certifications and career growth.
Does this sound like you? The Emergency Medical Technology Certificate program at CCC equips you with the skills and knowledge to provide critical care to people in their time of need. During this program, you will complete the classes you need to be eligible to take the EMT certification exam through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
Get ready to join a dynamic and respected profession while making a real impact on your community.
Are you planning to transfer to paramedic school?
This certificate of completion includes additional classes required for transfer. Get started on the path to continue your education and expand your career opportunities.
Required classes for the Emergency Medical Technology Certificate
A career path filled with opportunity
The demand for skilled emergency medical technicians is growing nationwide. When you graduate, you will be prepared to choose from fulfilling careers in a variety of settings, from ambulance services to fire departments and hospitals. Our program also serves as a stepping stone to further education in para-medicine or other health care fields.
Master essential skills to save lives
Our Emergency Medical Technology Certificate program equips you with the hands-on skills and knowledge to act as a vital part of the emergency medical care system. You will learn to:
- Assess patients accurately: Identify critical signs and symptoms to effectively evaluate a variety of conditions.
- Perform life-saving interventions: Administer CPR, oxygen therapy and control bleeding according to EMT protocols.
- Make sound decisions under pressure: Base your actions on clinical knowledge, guidelines and ethical standards.
- Communicate effectively: Build trust and rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Uphold professionalism and ethics: Maintain a high standard of conduct in all situations.
- Commit to lifelong learning: Stay up-to-date on the latest practices to continuously improve your skills.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. Here is a summary of the estimated costs for this program:
Estimated program costs | |
College tuition and fees | $7,089 |
Program course fees* | $1,084 |
Textbooks | $66-$132 (dependent on rented, used, or new) |
Extra supplies and materials | N/A |
Total costs | $8,239-$8,305 |
*Course fees cover the following items: Background check, drug screening, lab supplies, uniform
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab
Applying to the emergency medical technology program
Ready to get started? Applying to this program is a simple 3-step process.
We recommend you meet with a health science advisor prior to applying to the program. Our advisors will help answer prerequisite program requirements.
Tracy Pantano-Rumsey, academic advisor
tracy.pantanorumsey@clackamas.edu, 503-594-6131
Phil Reid, academic advisor
philr@clackamas.edu, 503-594-0623
For more information on the application process and program requirements, view our advising guide linked below.
Preparation before entering the program ensures success
Eligibility requirements:
- 18 years of age (by the time you take EMT-102)
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Tdap, Hep B, COVID-19, flu)
- Tuberculosis test
- Criminal background check
- Drug screen
Prerequisite courses (Must be taken prior to the start of the EMT-101 and EMT-102 program with a “C” or better)
- EMT-105 Introduction to Emergency Medical Services (online course)
- WRD-098 or placement into WR-121 English Composition
- MTH-060 Algebra 1 or placement into MTH-065 (or higher)
Essential functions
- Strength and mobility: EMTs should be able to lift at least 125 pounds and push at least 50 pounds. They must have the stamina, endurance and flexibility to repeatedly lift, bend and kneel.
- Balance and coordination: EMTs should have excellent fine motor skills and steady hands. They should be able to move around and perform tasks in small areas. EMTs climb and descend stairs while carrying patients and provide care in a moving vehicle.
- Communication: EMTs must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with their patients and other healthcare providers.
- Sensory: EMTs must have good vision and hearing to assess, treat and safely transport patients.
- Health: EMTs must stay current with all immunizations, pass a basic physical assessment and drug screening.
- Mental skills: EMTs need to have a good memory, focus without getting distracted for more than an hour. They must be able to critically think using logic, judgement and reasoning to apply proper care to patients.